Affordable UPS

OGroteKoning

OGroteKoning

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Okay - I am too lazy to searh MyBB for an answer, so here is the question(s)

I need to run 2 desktops, a wireless router and a 4bay NAS when the power cuts out. I believe an "on-line" UPs is what I need.
What is an acceptable time for the UPS to drive the equipment after power failure?
What UPS will you recommend?
What does it cost?
 
Acceptable time is as long as it will take you to shut everything down cleanly - so probably 5-10 minutes to be honest.
I have a 2 KVA Meissner I got from PC International for R1400 bucks.

Runs my PC, CCTV DVR, wireless router, adsl router, two printers, laptop, some 12V lights, two switches, TV, AVR, microserver, ps3 etc...
 
Does this unit provide continious power, or does it kick in when it detects a power drop?
 
It's line-interactive.
The inverter doesn't run constantly but will kick in as soon as the line voltage goes out of spec
 
So this means I can lose unsaved work?

I am trying to look for specs on the Meissner ... Google is not very friendly today!!
 
Online UPS's are very expensive (R3k+). line-interactive UPS's work very well on most computer equipments.
Also remember that the batteries needs to be replace every 1.5-2years. So look for a UPS with a common battery size that is easy to get. (12v 7Ah). Up-time on a normal UPS is about 5-10min.
 
I've never opened mine, so I can't comment, sorry
 
I would suggest looking at an APC - best quality when it comes to UPS' - not the cheapest, but we have used many of the cheaper makes like Spartan, and they seem to only last a few months (or their batteries to) and then need to be replaced, sure they have warranty, but do you really want to be sending a UPS back to the shop every couple of months.

The APC's just work and just keep on working. If you do ever need to replace the battery, they have a cover underneath that just slides open for easy access to the battery - and its a standard 7AH 12V battery - same thing that goes inside your alarm system, so it's really easy to get a replacement.

Just my 2c
 
OGroteKoning said:
APC seem a bit pricey :cry:
What do you guys think of the Mecer 2000VA? for R950?
Click to expand...

Seriously, OGK, what they all said. Don't skimp because those cheapies will not last and you will have to buy all over again.
 
So ... seems like I should go for an APC line interactive 2kVA ... sigh ... so much for my budget ...
 
Why do you need 2000VA?

I'm running a gaming PC (~550W max) + screen (~100W) + routers (20W) + HP Microserver (~100W max) off a single 1000VA APC UPS and I've never had that the overcurrent/power warning went off.

My APC Smart-UPS 1000VA was still rather expensive at R3500.
 
Pada said:
Why do you need 2000VA?

I'm running a gaming PC (~550W max) + screen (~100W) + routers (20W) + HP Microserver (~100W max) off a single 1000VA APC UPS and I've never had that the overcurrent/power warning went off.

My APC Smart-UPS 1000VA was still rather expensive at R3500.
Click to expand...

I used an online calculator to calculate the VA requirement. Similar setup to yours, but an additional PC and screen
 
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